Monday, December 13, 2010

Bar & Kitchen at O Hotel + Bruschetta

I spent Friday evening with a few girlfriends for dinner at Bar & Kitchen at O Hotel in Downtown LA. It's a tiny boutique hotel in the middle of nowhere and I've heard so much about their Parmesan Truffle Tots and Bacon Wrapped Dates. The hotel is actually the Orchid Hotel, I guess they call it O Hotel to be try and be extra cool. Anyway, the decor is cute and very contemporary but it's dark and cozy at the same time.

The Parmesan Truffle Tots were not that good. They tasted like regular Tater Tots and even though there was a hint of Truffle, I tasted more oil than anything. Tragic! I was looking forward to it. But after trying the Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Almonds, my palette was redeemed. So good! It's one of those things that I know I'm going to crave in the very near future. The sweetness of the date is just right with the smoked bacon and the goat cheese just brings it all together so nicely. Dates aren't just for old people, folks!

The Kitchen Burger with White Cheddar and Apple Wood Smoked Bacon and House Made Pickles

A really bad picture of the Parmesan Truffle Tots

Overall, the Bacon Wrapped Dates and Sweet Potato Gnocchi were the best things on the menu. I would probably only go back for the dates. It turns out that I have some dates at home, I am most definitely going to try to make it for my Christmas dinner. They're great appetizers!

Turn your oven to Broil and brush your slices of french bread or baguette with Olive Oil. Stick the bread, on a baking pan in the oven for about 1-2 minutes. On broil, the bread will toast really fast so watch them if you can. Take the bread out and place your Bruschetta mixture on top and some Mozzarella Cheese. Stick them back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned.